Class Action Lawsuit Claims ‘Addictive’ Mitra-9 Kratom Products Falsely Advertised as Safe

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Mitra-9 Brands has failed to disclose that its kratom products pose the same risk of addiction as opioids.

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According to the 28-page lawsuit, Mitra-9 produces, markets and distributes shots, powders and seltzers whose key ingredient, kratom, is referred to by health professionals as a “quasi-opiate.” Per the complaint, the effects, addictive properties and addiction and withdrawal symptoms of kratom are practically identical to those of actual opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone and fentanyl.

The filing relays that the chemicals in kratom that give it its opioid-like qualities are called alkaloids, and the specific alkaloids in kratom interact with the human brain’s mu-opioid receptor, which “produces the most addictive or habit-forming effects, such as euphoria and analgesia.”

Despite kratom’s known, highly addictive properties, Mitra-9’s kratom products, the complaint claims, are not marketed or packaged with any warning about potential addiction and are touted as “natural,” a term the lawsuit insists consumers often take to mean “safe.” The lack of warnings and Mitra-9’s marketing of its products as natural, plant-based herbal supplements mislead consumers into believing that no harm will come of their consumption of the defendant’s kratom shots, powders and seltzers, the suit alleges.

According to the class action lawsuit, Mitra-9 kratom products have caused severe harm to a great number of unsuspecting consumers. Several of these consumers have reported their experiences with Mitra-9 and kratom online, including on the “Quitting Kratom” forum on Reddit, from which the complaint cites several posts relaying individuals’ first-hand experiences with kratom, including symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety, complete dependence on multiple-times-a-day doses, scrounging for cash just to afford the next dose, debilitating withdrawal symptoms upon trying to quit or even just going a few hours without a hit, feeling helpless and trapped in addiction and more.

The complaint emphasizes that most consumers who’ve publicized their struggles with kratom addiction were completely unaware that kratom was, or even could be, the source of their problems for extended periods of time, with many even having been told that the plant was safe, harmless and helpful.

Per the lawsuit, Mitra-9’s advertising perpetuates the fraudulent claims that kratom is safe and harmless, describing their products as “pick-me-ups,” herbal supplements and even “non-alcoholic,” appealing to those who might be seeking to avoid the addictive potential of alcohol. The company’s packaging also includes natural imagery, such as leaves and fruit and frequently uses the phrase “good vibes,” all of which works to imply to the consumer that the product is completely harmless, the filing says.

The Mitra-9 class action lawsuit seeks to represent anyone in the U.S. who purchased Mitra-9 kratom products within the applicable statute of limitations period.

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